Duke helps stodgy Socceroos see off Bahrain in final Asian Cup warm-up

06-Jan-2024 16:41:07 | Guardian

International friendly: Bahrain 0-2 Australia
Mitch Duke wraps up win after early own goal

Australia scrapped out a 2-0 win over Bahrain in their final tune-up before their Asian Cup campaign. A week out from the Socceroos’ opening group match against India, Graham Arnold’s charges took the lead via an own goal from Amine Benaddi in the 35th minute before Mitch Duke added another in the 61st minute.

Winger Craig Goodwin had a hand in both goals in the friendly at the Baniyas Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The difficult nature of the victory, as Australia dominated possession but had just seven shots and struggled to create clearcut chances, offered little relief over concerns that they may find it hard to break down deep-lying defences in the Qatar tournament.